After Mark Messier, left, signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 1997, the New York Rangers signed Sakic to a three-year, $21 million offer sheet that included a $15 million signing bonus. The Avalanche matched.
Paul Chiasson, AP

After Mark Messier, left, signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 1997, the New York Rangers signed Sakic to a three-year, $21 million offer sheet that included a $15 million signing bonus. The Avalanche matched.
Jeff Roberson, AP

Colorado's Ray Bourque, left, and Sakic wave during the Avalanche's 2001 championship parade. After the win, Sakic immediately handed the Cup to Bourque, who lifted the trophy for the first time in his distinguished career.
Ed Andrieski, AP

Like Sakic, Sundin was elected in his first year of eligibility and began his career in Quebec. The Swedish center was drafted No. 1 overall in 1989, the first European to be chosen that high. He had a career-best 47 goals and 114 points in 1992-93.
Denis Brodeur, NHLI via Getty Images

Oates and Brett Hull (shown at Hull's number retirement ceremony) were a dynamic combination during their 2 1/2 seasons together in St. Louis. Oates had 90 assists during 1990-91, when Hull had 86 goals.
Scott Rovak, US Presswire

Oates, dealt to the Boston Bruins, was Cam Neely's center when Neely had 50 goals in 49 games in 1993-94. Oates had a career-best 142 points with the Bruins in 1992-93, a season in which Neely was limited to 13 games by injury.
Steve Babineau, NHLI via Getty Images

After being critical of Bruins management, Oates was traded in 1997 to the Washington Capitals, where he took the number 77 to honor his friend Ray Bourque. He led the Capitals to the 1998 Stanley Cup Final.
Doug Mills, AP

After a contract dispute in 1998-99, Bure was dealt to the Florida Panthers in January. He got off to a great start, but was lost for the season after tearing his ACL for the second time in his career.
Mark Lennihan, AP

Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:

The New York Islanders said they'll announce their captain on Monday morning. John Tavares is expected to the front-runner to replace departed Mark Streit. ... NHL free agent Peter Mueller signed a one-year deal with Kloten of the Swiss Elite League. He played last season with the Florida Panthers. Defenseman Jim Vandermeer, who played last season in the American Hockey League, also signed with the Swiss team.